Everland

Some more Baby Brownie / ACEOs

2011-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

I had a little time the other day to bake a few new Baby Brownies while our little brownie, Noah was napping. I don't get a lot of time during the day to create but when I do I am grateful. All three of this little guys are available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy.

Have a wonderful day and God Bless, ~ James

2011-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well on this fine day. I've been flying on inspiration's wings as of late and I am truly thankful to be able to do what I do. I just posted an original at my Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy that was inspired by this beautiful Autumn weather that we are having. It is called, "Autumn Fairy" and she can be found HERE if anyone is interested. Have a wonderful day! ~ James

Some new works and some sales!!!

2011-09-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Summer and that you are all doing well. I've been pretty busy working on two books and various commissions, but in the meantime, I thought I'd share a few new pictures I did in between jobs this past week. The first is a watercolor called, "New Wings". This little original is available on Etsy, if anyone is interested.

Another illustration I did was a pencil and gesso drawing It was inspired by our little son, Noah. It is called, "To The Lake".

...and onward they marched to the lake, two piggies to be cleansed, three

ducklings to find their gift and one little boy to fill his heart with Joy.

Lastly, I am having a SALE on my website, where you will find that ALL the HouseHold Fairy Figurines are on sale for only $10 each. These little weefolk are great for different spots around the house. They can be found HERE

With Inspiration, ~James

Birch Couple Oil Painting

2011-05-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Well, I'm still getting my feet wet when it comes to working with oil paints but I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying every moment I have with them. Here is one that I recently did of a loving Birch Couple. It measures 8x10 and the original is available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy. I hope you like it. Have a wonderful day!

Oil Painting!

2011-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

While I've still been in the process of working on two books and some commission work, I have found a little time to try something new and something different...something to help me loosen up a little bit and just have fun with and that something is oil painting. It is very different than painting with watercolor but I am finding a lot of joy in doing it. I thought I'd share a few paintings that I did in the past few days. Each one measures 5x7 inches and I've been painting them in one sitting of about 2 hours each. I've been posting them for sale at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy in case any of you are interested. I hope you like them!

An Irish Tale

2011-03-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

Top of the morning to ya! HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!

AN IRISH TALE

Deep in the center of an enchanted glen,
...There lives Nody Eltrahy, a silly, old tale spinner.
A strange little leprechaun, not of the folk of men,
Sporting an easy smile, in his eyes the trace of a glimmer.

For ages he served as Bard to the High King.
Can't even imagine all the old soul has seen.
Ageless memories are his story's source,
Woven like a web without time's shortened course.

He comes when he wants to his favorite place
Under Old Burlybark, the willow, a dark and shady space,
Beside the Babble Brook meandering through the magical wood,
Its silvery water cool, sweet and surely good,

To his sitting stump, all shiny and worn,
The place where his tales seem to be born.
The words of his weaving encircling his head,
Bring to those who listen either smiles or dread.
Smiles to some hearts, which his light tales please,
Dread to others, their unbelief he'll tease.

To his teaching and care come the young fairies and elves,
Into their imagination he digs and he delves
Their minds to expand, to see things wee and grand,
To hear the forest's sounds as a musical band.

Now look real close and listen, listen hard.
The longer you do, the more you'll receive.
Filling your own memories, you will relieve
Life to come from the tales of this wise old Bard.

But if with hardened heart and closed mind you hear,
You'll miss on the smiles to carry you year to year.
With unbelief and no vision you'll fail,
And his words become just another Irish Tale.

Written by D. R. Hartle

The day that my life changed...

2011-03-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to share something that has been in my heart for some time now. It's something very personal to me. It is my testimony to how the loving Grace of God has changed my life. Those close to me already know my story of how I became a Christian but I felt in my heart that it was time for me to share it all with you. This is who I am...

My Testimony: Easter Sunday 2005

My Father has been more than patient with me through the years. He has not only had His eyes on me, but He has also blessed me in many ways. It was not until He broke me, that I truly looked to Him and received His gift. He saved me!

This is my story, but my journey has only just begun.

I couldn’t have ever wished for a more caring family to be born into. My upbringing was one that was completely out of love. My Father and Mother were always there for me. They raised me in all the right ways. They helped me up when I was down. They supported me in reaching for my dreams. Most importantly, they loved me unconditionally and always kept God in the center of their marriage. I was blessed with an amazing sister, Katrina. Though she is my younger sister, I have always looked up to her. She married a great man in Ralph and they both have been a wonderful example of what marriage is all about. Their two children, Andrew and Nathan, are a blessing to us all. I also was given a younger brother, Jeffrey. He has a great heart and I love him dearly.

Not only was I blessed with a loving family, but I was also given a gift to paint. This gift developed through the years and has become part of who I am. The blessings and rewards from using this gift are many and continue to overflow.

But the biggest blessing of them all was when Nadine came into my life. A beautiful young woman from Germany entered my life and filled my heart with love. My love for her can not be described in just words. All I can say is that I get lost in her when she is around and I daydream about her when I am alone. I am not complete without her.

So you can see, that I was blessed and these were just a few of the blessings. However, I never looked to the One who had given me all these things. Instead, I became obsessed with myself. I was blind to my own sin. Though, I was a so-called Christian, the word was meaningless. I would say, “I’m a believer. My belief is a more personal belief.” Boy, I was blind. The irony in this is that a “more personal belief” is one who believes in him self. That was me to a T! I was living behind this false front. I was living a lie and my Faith was in question. Everything that I saw was through my own eyes and everything that I thought was with my own sinful mind. In other words, I was successful in my career on my own merits. The blessings and gifts were earned. The love was deserved. The good deeds that I would perform and the gifts that I would give only made me more self-righteous. Everything I did was of MYSELF!

I always thought of myself as a thinker, a dreamer and one who prefers to be in solitude. I lived in my own world and I was my own ruler. In ruling my world, there were times that felt good and there times when I felt guilty. I was high on my pedestal and down hiding behind my pedestal, almost on a daily basis. I would sin and justify my sin. I would overdose on confidence and have spells of depression in my loneliness. I was obsessed with myself inwardly and outwardly I couldn’t see clearly. I couldn’t see over the walls that I had built. I became blind at times to the needs of those close to me. I fought with the ones who loved me. I was critical of those who were around me. I was jaded, angry and lonely. In all this, I would continue to look into myself for the answers and I would continue to walk within my walls and linger in the dark shadows of my castle. I was truly lost in my world, The World of James Browne. I was alone and bound by my own Sin.

Just over a year ago, I was in the middle of illustrating two books. I was coming off my most successful year to date and I was set up for an even greater year in 2004. My ego was through the roof, I was the furthest away from who God was and I was completely and utterly uninspired. My walls were cracking! My pedestal could no longer hold the weight of my boastful self. My body had grown weak from carrying my burdens, and yet my mind was a river of thoughts that continued to flow, racing at times, stained by Sin. My heart was empty. That is when the physical pain set in.

I was diagnosed with a syndrome called Prostatitis, which is a very discomforting and sometimes chronic syndrome. It is often called “The Headache of the Pelvis” and it’s forecast for the “quality of living” is very dismal. After three unsuccessful treatments of antibiotics I was completely spent. I was in so much pain. I couldn’t sit down to paint. I couldn’t make love to my Nadine. I was scared and the pain worsened when I worried. My mind kept racing. My sleepless nights were spent on our bathroom floor. Week after week I would lay there in fear and even though my Sunshine would lay there beside me, I was still afraid. Afraid of my own SELF! I laid there completely crippled in the dark shadow of my pedestal. I was completely broken. My life as I new it was at an end. My reign was over!

As I laid there one night, a week before Easter Sunday, completely alone and in tears, …… He touched me. For the first time in my life I received Him, my personal Savior. I became my Father’s child. It was He who sought me out! It was He who broke down the walls around my world! It was He who knocked me off my pedestal and crippled me! It was He who took my Sin and washed it away so that I was not bound by it any longer! It was He who brought the light into my darkness! It was He who filled me with His Spirit to work me over and brake me! It was He who said, “My sweet child, it is now time.” HE SAVED ME! He filled my heart with His love, cleansed my mind clean, and gave me my new eyes to see reality!

My life in Him is now my reality. I am no longer blind and bound by my Sin. I believe in the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am now under His rule, under His Grace. My purpose here is no longer my purpose, but His Purpose. I no longer dream to be known for my paintings but rather to be known for who used me. I pray to Him to use me for His Glory, for His Will. With my new eyes I see the needs of those around me. I give because I feel the Joy of His Spirit in my heart. I am often overcome with tears of joy. I no longer want TIME for myself but I’d rather give it away to others. I am no longer comfortable being in solitude, rather I have the urge to be with people instead. In fact, I am not comfortable in any of my old ways. I no longer have fear. When the physical pain sets in, it is only a reminder to focus on Him. His Spirit enlightens me. I now hunger for His Word and yearn to know my Father better. I thank Him, not only for my blessings but also for my struggles. When temptation sneaks up on me, I focus outwardly on Him and when I do sin, I ask for his forgiveness and I seek His help to learn through my weaknesses. I pray for His direction and that He will continue to use me.

In reality, I see a dirt path that I am to walk on. This path is the Way and it is surrounded by a fallen world. This path may be hard to stay on at times especially when it becomes very narrow with ditches on either side. There may be boulders or fallen trees that may block the way. But the Truth is that Faith will guide me even if the Way is dark. It is by Faith that I will take this path, focusing on His awesome power, His Love for me and the promises that He has given me, which is Life. In all this, is a knowing that I will see my Father face to face at the end of this journey and in beginning of the Everlasting journey. However, it is very important to add that this is not only my journey to be with Him, but also, along this path is my purpose. My purpose is not only to mature in Him and be prepared for what awaits me down the path, but to help those in the dark onto the path, so they too may see the Truth, that Jesus paid with His Life for this Way so that ALL may travel on it.

There are two other people I wanted to mention that God used as witnesses to help guide me to becoming a true believer. The first is Sharon. Her words of comfort and direction were so special to me in my time of need. I love her for what she did for me. The other is Don, who has been a dear friend of ours for years. He not only is my closest Brother but he is also my mentor in helping me mature in Him. I love Don for who he is and what he is.

I wanted to also thank all of you, my Brothers and Sisters, for your love and prayers. For your fellowship and your open arms. Both Nadine and I have been so blessed, not only for each other and our new found Faith in Him, but also for the joy that we see in your faces. It is an honor for me to be here in front of you, in front of Our Father, on the day that Jesus Christ became Our Savior. He died for us! He loves us all and He only wants us to receive His gift.

In closing, I wanted to share a special painting with you that I had painted five years ago. It is called, “Comic Relief”. Every time I used to look at it I used to see myself in the painting, almost as though I was looking into a mirror. I liked what I saw. It wasn’t until Brother Don wrote a poem about it that I realized that it wasn’t me in the painting anymore. I would like to read this poem to you.

“COMIC RELIEF”

In a courtyard, on a pillar of stone,
sits a young jester, all alone.
All is kept out by walls all around;
Solitude unbroken, not a lonely sound.
Of the outside world all he sees,
mountains, cloud filled skies and tall green trees.
At his right is a thorny red rose;
its alluring smell permeates his foolish clothes.
On the cold stone he sits and reads,
the Book of Life with truth that frees.
The shadowless dial down by the wall,
reminds him, there is no time, answer the call.
The Book says, "Take the path that leads to the gate.
Get off that pedestal before it's too late.
Leave the walls that imprison your soul,
Flee before time and solitude take their toll."
His Gilded Book says, "run now to the gate,
run to the gate that few will take.
One gate to freedom, one gate to a cell,
through the one gate a desert, the other a well."
To the one gate, he sees a dirt path well trod,
to the other gate a path of untracked sod.
He asks his Book, "which gate do I take?
It's to the well and freedom my journey I'll make. "

"To the gate rarely used," his Book says to go.

The allure and the thorns of the rose hold him back;
to start he must cross the well trodden track.
A call he hears from the well beyond,
temptation aside, he decides to respond.
Off the stone and across the dirt, on the path unseen he flees,
to the far gate he runs, and beyond he sees,
A land celestial, with emerald trees,
In the center, a pool, with strange light did glow,
He paused at the gate, but his Book said, "go!"

So to the glowing pool he did run,
all around him was light, but there was no sun.
At the pool he kneeled, the water invited, he drank deeply,
his spirit now excited! As his eyes lifted, a Shining Man on a bench he did see.

And a voice of pure beauty said, " Come sit with me."

As their eyes met, tears of love and joy blended in the pool beneath,
the Shining Man said, "Oh fool of men, you've finally come to the place of Comic Relief.

I love my Father for saving a wretch like me. Praise Him!

Breast Cancer Awareness Moon and More ACEOs

2011-03-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

After posting a Pink Moon that I had created last week, I had a wonderful suggestion by someone to create a Pink Moon with a Pink Ribbon to honor Breast Cancer Awareness. I was truly touched by this suggestion and I decided to make one. I created it as an ACEO and it's available at the BROWNIEMAN SHOPPE on Etsy.

Along with this one, I also created a couple more ACEOs and made them available on ETSY if anyone is interested. I'll have more to post in the near future. In the meantime, have a wonderful day everyone!

Free Print Giveaway !

2011-03-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

FREE PRINT "The Gift", with any purchase on Etsy starting today and throughout this weekend. Since St. Patty's Day is just around the corner I thought it's got to be a Leprechaun Giveaway!

Visit the Brownieman Shoppe if you are interested!

More Etsy stuff!

2011-03-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well, the last couple of days I've been adding more and more items to the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy. Such as, original watercolors, original ACEOS/Baby Brownies and something new...Doodley Doodles! I thought it would be nice to offer up some of my doodles for very reasonable prices. If any of you are interested, feel free to visit the BROWNIEMAN SHOPPE.

Here are a few examples of Doodley Doodles

Also, I was able to create a couple more ACEOs today.

Lastly, I've decided to sell the very first ACEO that I ever created. Funny thing is, I did it long before I even knew what an ACEO was.

Little Butterfly

2011-03-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I hope this day is finding you well and that the sun is shining in your life. I thought I would share another illustration I did for the Lullaby book that I am currently working on. It's such a sweet and magical book of poetry and song and it is full of the child's imagination. Goodness through and through. The author of this book is a wonderful person and a joy to work with. I think that this is going to be a very special book for those who read it. The illustration below is for the lullaby, "Little Butterfly". I've decided to also post a close up of the detail along with the original sketch. It's amazing how the pencil has a different feel verses the watercolor.

For the rest of this week I'll be back to work on the spot illustrations for "Rootfoot". I will share those in a future post. Be well, my friends.

~James

Noah Visits the Big Tree...

2011-02-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

My lovely wife and our little gnome had a wonderful weekend together making lots of memories and enjoying the wonderful life God has given us. One of the highlights of this past weekend was another trip to Longwood Gardens, an absolute heavenly place. We visit there often and we can't get enough of beauty of the place. As we were walking along one of the fields that spans just behind some of the gardens, we discovered a gigantic tree. Not only was my wife and I amazed but so was little Noah. So we walked over to the tree and snapped some pictures. Noah, certainly fits right in and I hope one of these days I can paint him with this old soul of a tree.

And yes, there was even time for a cheerios break.

Lastly, I also posted a couple more originals up on Etsy, if anyone is interested they can go HERE

The Miser

2011-02-25T04:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I posted another original on Etsy and I woke up this Morning to see that a very talented poet wrote a wonderful tale about it. The painting is titled, "The Miser". I am always excited when one of my paintings becomes an inspiration for another one's story. We ALL have different gifts and it's a joy to see when they're being used.
The original watercolor is available HERE

The Miserly Gnome

Mr. Gnome, why can't you see
It's bad to act so miserly
Have you a pain inside, so deep
Or, is it anger that you keep?

Count the blessings you possess
Others manage with much less
Nothing good can come from greed
This forest gives you all you need

Join us in our fairy ring
We'll eat and drink! We'll dance and sing!
A better time can not be had
You'll forget why you were sad!

Come witness the ferocity
Of fairy generosity
Do not fear a healthy start
And open up your vaulted-heart

You can only truly live
When you learn to freely give
For everything comes back to you
The way you really want it to

Okay! I'll try your strange advice
A fairy party might be nice...
When he finally acquiesced
He learned that he was truly blessed

He opened up, he laughed and cried
He found the feelings once denied
He danced a reel and sang with glee
He set his lonely spirit free

He saw the beauty of the land
Was more than gold he had on hand
No silver did he wish to own
But with Nature to atone.

Once returned to home-sweet-home
He thought it nice to be a gnome
From then on he always cared
And what he owned was gladly shared.

The Fairy Poet's work can be found HERE

Thank you, Theo!

Bunny Love

2011-02-24T04:49:00.000-08:00

Since the Spring and Easter season is just around the corner, I thought that I would offer a special price for this original watercolor called, "Bunny Love". It's full of wonderful Spring colors and has lots of details and of course, it's made with love. I've had this painting for some time now and each day I've been going through my flat files and finding paintings hidden away. I figured that they need new homes and there is no reason for me to hold onto them any longer. It measures 7x9 inches and was created using watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper.

So, if anyone is interested, it can be found HERE on Etsy.

I'm currently working on two childrens books, both of which I've mentioned in previous posts, so I should have more illustrations to share with you in the near future. In the meantime, have a great day today!

Original Watercolor & Figurine Packages

2011-02-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I just posted some more originals up on Etsy. Two of which, come with complimentary matching figurines. I had designed these a few years ago for a figurine line called the "Household Fairies", little wee folk who are always willing to help around the house. The figurines are beautifully created and of high quality. The first one is the Coffee Fairy, available HERE

The second original watercolor along with matching figurines, Salt and Pepper, is available HERE

Happy 1st Birthday, Noah!!!

2011-02-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

Today, is a very special day. It is the day that our son, Noah James, turns one year old. My wife and I are so thankful for this little guy. Being a parent has been so much more then I ever thought it would be and it's ALL good. You realize that the day your child comes into this world you stop living for yourself, the same is true in marriage, of course, but a little one is so dependable in every way. I can't help but think that this is the same way that God cares for us, just as we are His children. Yes, I am in awe of how precious life is and seeing our little boy grow from a wee one to who he is now is truly amazing and I know that I will be saying this year after year. What a gift from above he is.

I thought I would post a few pictures of him that I took, yesterday while he was eating cheerios...he loves his cheerios!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NOAH JAMES!!!

The Original Snowflake

2011-02-11T04:52:00.000-08:00

For the lats few days I've been going through my studio and coming across original works that I still have in my keeping. We are in the process of building a new addition to the studio to create more room for framing, larger painting and storage. It's coming along beautifully, so it's been a great excuse for me to go through my flat files for older artwork. Yesterday, it was the lovely "Snowflake" that surfaced, a painting that I did two Winters ago as a Christmas card. I've decided that I would offer it up at a very reasonable price. It's a beautiful painting with great movement and texture and a neat color scheme of warm browns and cool blues. The original was created using watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper. It measures 8x11 inches. If anyone is interested in it, it's available HERE.

I've also posted a little "Crescent Moon" original on Etsy...that can be seen HERE.

Little Panda ACEO and Hearts

2011-02-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little post today about a little panda aceo/baby brownie that I did yesterday during one of Noah's naps. Our little Noah is almost one year old and I am just amazed how each day is full of surprises and growth in our munchkin. He is such a blessing to us and I am very thankful to being an artist working at home, soaking in the youth.

Anyway, here is "Little Panda"! I created him using pencil and gesso on mat board and the original is available HERE at my Etsy Shoppe.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Ps. I almost forgot! I also posted the original watercolor, "Hearts" at my Etsy Shoppe. It was a painting I did for a greeting card a few years back. It is for sale HERE

Another Sneak-Peak and more ACEOs

2011-02-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I have been having a blast so far this year! I've been trying to find ways onworking quicker and on a more daily basis. As I mentioned in my previous posts, I've been working on two children's books along with some other commission work. In this post I thought I would share with you another spot illustration from the tale of "Rootfoot" (Part of a book of tales). This one is of Rootfoot's faithful friend, Willowcrest.

I've also managed to squeeze a little time in for making some more original ACEOs/ Baby Brownies. Here are a couple more of them that I did today. They can be purchased at my Etsy Shoppe if anyone is interested.

Have a great day everyone...stay warm!

A'Mour...the original watercolor

2011-02-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

I feel the love in the air as we approach Valentine's Day. Pretty much every year I feel this way at this time. Valentine's Day to me, is like the first sign of Spring. Even though it is still considered Winter, I can't help but feel the warmth of Love. I've been truly blessed to have my lovely Valentine by my side for 14 years and our love continues to grow.

I was going through my flat files this morning and I came across an original watercolor that I painting almost 9 years ago. It is called, "A'Mour". I've decided to put it up for sale at my Etsy Shoppe. I've priced at very reasonable price in case any of you are interested in it. It's a very beautiful original depicting the gift of Love. It can be purchased... HERE. This original watercolor measures 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches and was painted on Arches 140lb cold press paper.

That's all for today...Have a great day!

Some Valentine's ACEOs

2011-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

I spent part of my day, yesterday, working on some new Valentine's Baby Brownies/ACEOs. These little originals are a lot of fun to do especially when my son is taking a nap. Anyway, I posted them on my
Etsy shoppe
Here's a sneak peak at a couple of them, one being a watercolor and the other being sepia ink.

Rootfoot

2011-02-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

As I had mentioned in yesterday's post, I am currently work on another book based on some of my past works accompanied by the beautiful writings of D.R. Hartle, a talented writer and a dear friend. This book will be a book of short stories that will be lavishly illustrated with full color and black and white imagery. Each tale has a moral to it and I'm hoping that it will bring a lot of smiles to those who read it. I've always been a big fan of the old illustrated books of the true classics, those illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, Rackham and others. My hope is to create a book of new tales in the old way.

Above is the painting of "Rootfoot", a painting I did a few years back that inspired a beautiful tale written by D.R. Hartle. Below are some spot illustrations that I did this past week. The tale is about an old tree that tends to the forest saplings and grows weary ....but the tale doesn't end there! I will keep that a surprise.

A book of Lullabies...

2011-02-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've been currently working on a wonderful project, a book of Lullabies. I've always enjoyed portraying the wonder of childhood in my work and how the imagination thrives in the heartspace of a child.

This book is no exception. The author is a very special person with a gift of capturing childhood innocence and wonder. It's a real honor for me to be working with her. It's truly a journey. Anyway, below you will find that I've posted a couple of illustrations from this book of wonder.

I've also been working on another project, one that I'm really excited about. I'll share a little bit about it on my next post.

Prayer, Dragon and Gnomie

2011-01-10T09:30:00.000-08:00

I hope that this day finds you doing well and that you are settling into the new year nicely. I had a free day this past Saturday afternoon. The snow was falling and I was in the studio creating some new baby brownies/ACEOs. There are three new ones available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy. Each one is done using watercolor and gesso and they are one of a kind. I hope you like them. Here is the link BROWNIEMAN SHOPPE

I will be working on some book illustrations for the next few weeks in the evening hours, I will be sure to keep you updated. Have a special day.

"Noah" and "On the Mend"

2011-01-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and had a nice Christmas Holiday. This past year was quite busy for me, not so much in the art realm but being a daddy. It has been a real joy watching our little son grow and experience things for the first time. He is almost 11 months old and he is absolutely beautiful. I will be sure to post some recent photos of him when I get a chance, but I did do a little ACEO (aka baby brownie) of him yesterday afternoon. It's very tiny just like he is.

I am hoping to get a little more time in the studio this year. I'm really getting the itch to do some creating but I will take whatever time I am given. Recently, I've been mostly drawing and doing commissions and I'd like to share a drawing I did late last night. It is called, "On the Mend". It is about a tree that is broken, not only physically but also spiritually. It wasn't until he was touched by Love and Light that he is now on the mend. We have all struggled and know people that have struggled with ailments. Here's to a new year ahead in hope of living in Love and in Light.

Have a wonderful day! ~James

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

It wasn't until Zacchaeus' heart changed that he was able to help Nodi, the little shrew in need...

I haven't been able to paint too much lately due to watching our little son but I have been able to pick up some paper and draw a little more. I've been really inspired lately to create imagery that depicts friendship, caring companionship and yes, all set in a wintery landscape. It's so important to reach out to others in need, especially in a world of so much turmoil.

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2011 bless you in a special way. This image was created using pencil and gesso on mat board. It measures 8x10 inches.

BREATHE

2010-10-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

I spent last night's hours working into the early morning creating this sepia illustration. I decided to do a little something different and more ethereal. I hope you like it. I used sepia pencil and gesso on sepia mat board and it measures 8 x 11 1/2 inches. I called it "Breathe". Sometimes we just need to breathe. The original is available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy HERE

A special moment and some more art....

2010-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

I had special moment while I was walking with Noah this morning, hundreds of geese flew overhead trumpeting that beautiful sound. We just stood there and looked up in awe. I couldn't help looking into my little one's smiling eyes. Life is truly precious

Above is a tattoo design I just did for someone. I've been getting more requests for tattoos and decided that I would start doing them for people.

Below, are some more ACEO originals that I created in the last few days. They are available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy HERE

Mooney Rooney and Winter Visit

2010-10-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours late last night creating two new sepia illustrations. The first one depicts a special visit from a friend in the cold of Winter. The little mouse decides to travel to his good friend the mole. I often paint themes of friendship and many times these paintings are Wintery. It's nice to hibernate every once in a while but it's extra special when you pay a friend a visit, especially when it's cold.

The second illustration is of Mooney Rooney, a friendly little chap who enjoys traveling by the Moon. Both original sepias are available at the Brownieman Shoppe on Etsy. They measure 5x7 inches and they retail for only $55 each. The Brownieman Shoppe can be found HERE

New ACEO Originals and Limited Editions

2010-10-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you already know I have been spending a few hours each day creating original ACEOs and selling them on my Etsy Shoppe. People seem to like them and I've also had some requests for small limited editions of some of my more popular illustrations. So, I decided to honor their requests. I've just made available 12 new limited edition ACEOs on Etsy. Each edition size is only 20. They can be seen HERE

Also, I've created a bunch of new original sepia ACEOS, aka "Baby Brownies" and the can be found HERE. Below are some samples of the Baby Brownies that are now available.

That's all for now. ~James

More ACEO originals available...

2010-10-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some more ACEO sepia originals that I did the last two days. They are available HERE if anyone is interested. They seem to be moving pretty fast and they are a lot of fun to do.

More original ACEOs available...

2010-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have been having so much creating these little originals while our little boy takes his naps. People really seem to like them and it is only fueling my creativity. I can't paint too much during the days, so it makes me happy that I can do these with little bits of time that I do have. Anyway, these are the ACEOs that I did in the last two days and they are available at my Etsy Shop HERE

I hope you like them. ~James

Snuggle Buggles

2010-09-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

I just started a new series of original sepia ACEOs / Baby Brownies called "Snuggle Buggles". They are wonderful little creatures that need a home and of course, some love. Each original sepia is available at my new Etsy shop. They are not only great collectibles but they are also very affordable.

Well, it's raining buckets today, a perfect day for a cup of tea, time with our little munchkin and more Buggles.

Here are the first two Snuggle Buggles, available HERE

The BABY BROWNIE / ACEOs are back!

2010-09-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

I've been making the best of my time with my creativity lately, working at night on my commission and book work while during the day watching our little pumpkin. He is such an inspiration and an absolute blast to spend my days with. Yesterday, I tried something new...while the he was napping I created 3 ACEOs, aka Baby Brownies, and decided that I would offer them on my Etsy store. Etsy is real easy to use and manage.

These little original works are available HERE on Etsy...

Etsy

2010-09-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I just opened a shop on Etsy. I have a few books and figurines available on there and I will be adding more items such as small original watercolors, aceos, limited edition prints and more in the near future. Feel free to check it out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/brownieman

All the best!

James

Ruthie's Gift

2010-09-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

While sitting in my booth at a show this past weekend, watching the people walk by, I decided to pull out my watercolors and create a painting. As do most of my paintings, it became something very personal to me and thus, "Ruthie's Gift" was born. It is a tale of neighborly love.

Simon, was a root dweller, who often would spend too much time alone sulking beneath his tree. He always choose to turn down visitors and would continually think deep within himself while watching other folk walk by his gnarly tree. Daily, as he would hide among the roots, he found that each day became sadder than the next and this habit of choosing the company of himself rather than others started to eat away at his lonely heart. For many days, he stopped looking out beyond his tree and as low as the roots sank into the ground, so was the state of his heart. Suddenly, in all his sadness he cried out, "Why, oh why, am I so alone!" and he fell fast asleep in his tears.

The next morning, Simon heard something stirring at the foot of his tree. When he arose to see what it was, he was greeted by a kind looking mouse who was wearing a blue bonnet and carrying a small pouch. Then the mouse spoke, "Hello, my name is Ruthie! I live in the tree next door and I have been living there all my life. I heard you cry out last night and I am here now, to be your friend. I decided to awaken early this morning to make you a special gift. It is a little pouch to place all your sad thoughts into, so that your heart will have more room for thoughts of Joy". At that very moment, Simon came out from beneath his tree and buried his head in the coat of his fury friend and with a joyful noise said, "Thank you, thank you, for rescuing me".

The Moral: It is far better to seek friendship rather than yourself. Love is meant to be shared and true Joy is a gift. It is, also, never too late to reach out a be a friend to those around you. ~JB

Being Mr. Mom....

2010-09-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am back to being a Mr. mom by day and an artist by night. It's going to be a change but I will make the best of it. In fact, every time that I look into my son's smiling face it's a reminder of how blessed I am to have him. He is one very happy baby. I plan to teach him a lot as well as learn a lot and to make sure that I take joy in each moment.

I am currently working on some commission work and I only have 3 more art shows to do to finish the show season. In this post, you find a couple more sepia drawings that I did while on the road. I hope to have some paintings to share with you real soon. ~James

Some more Stick Figures...

2010-07-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

I've been enjoying a short time off from doing shows for the last couple of weeks and have been spending a lot of my time in the studio. The work list....a lullaby book, two portrait commissions, a tattoo design, a new series of bird / fairy paintings and a very special painting involving our little boy. I've been getting up very early lately and it's been great to start the day drawing. I've recently been using sepia pencil and gesso on sepia mat board and it's been a lot of fun. Below are some more Stick Figures that I did using this technique.

Reflection

2010-07-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope that this post finds that you are doing well. I have been busy doing arts festivals for the last few months and haven't had too much time to create in the studio, but I awoke this morning deeply inspired to create a little something.

This picture is more of a personal piece. It is called "Reflection" and it symbolizes faith and that not all reflection is inward. Having Faith helps me not to focus on myself and to be able to let go and let God.

This original was created using sepia pencil and gesso on mat board. It measures 5x7 inches.

God Bless,

~James

Noah, the Gnome

2010-06-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't wait any longer to create an image depicting our special little lad. Last night, I waited until everyone was in bed and I went out into the studio to do a picture of Noah as the gnome that he is. I created it using sepia colored pencil and gesso on sepia mat board. It measures 8x11 1/2 inches. I do have prints available HERE

It was truly a joy to do a drawing of our little Noah and I'm sure there will be many more illustrations of him in the future. Today, I had another wonderful day with him. I've been trying to do more painting in the night hours because I seem to keep getting lost in those eyes of his during the day hours.

Be well everyone,

~James

Stick Figure #73

2010-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't had too much time to paint lately so I thought that I would start creating stick figures again. This time around I created it using sepia color pencil and gesso on a sepia mat board. This original measures 5x7.

It is available if anyone is interested Stick Figure 73

Noah and friends

2010-05-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Today, was a day filled with entertainment and laughter. I didn't get too much done as far as work goes but this photo that describes my day with little Noah is priceless. Also, I'll be at a show in Harrisburg this weekend if anyone is interested, http://www.harrisburgarts.org/artsfest/

The Green Monster

2010-05-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like tubby time with our little one. I just thought I'd share this adorable photo of our little Green Monster with you. What a blessing it is to watch him grow each day. Have a great day!

Book Illustration

2010-05-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Throughout my career I've had the pleasure to do a number of commissions, some of which were illustrating children's books. Most of these book projects have been with small publishers and with authors who self published their books. So, I thought I would share some samples of my illustrations from two of these books. A few of the books that I've illustrated are unpublished but I still enjoyed making the illustrations. I am working on a book right now that is about lullabies, a perfect subject now that we have a little one of our own.

MAGIC MARMALADE and the MOONLIGHT FAIRIES UNTITLED BOOK (a book without words)

Have a great day!

~James

Portrait of Kelley

2010-05-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

I often do commissions throughout the year where I use portraiture and illustration together. I've been doing this kind of thing for some time now and it is always exciting for me to try to capture the subject's personality and emotion and place them in a magical setting. In most cases, it always deals with the imagination, mostly "childlike imagination". In fact, most of the portraiture that I have done has been depicting children.

The above portrait illustration is a recent commission I had done for a wonderful lady who wanted me to capture the essence of her imagination in an illustration. Her name is Kelley and she was a joy to paint.

Today, it is raining and my little son is listening to the raindrops as they musically tap on the rooftop...ah, the sound of rain, there is nothing like it. It always opens the door to my imagination.

Have a magical day,

~James

I love this little guy.

2010-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

I thought that today would be a good day to start making a better effort of writing on my blog on a more daily basis as my life has changed of late. What better way to start then with my little son who has me smiling constantly every time I lay my eyes on him. He is such a beautiful gift to my wife and I thought that I would post a little picture of him. He is now 3 months old and he is doing absolutely wonderful. So here he is, little Noah James.

Noah and the Tree

2010-03-12T08:48:00.001-08:00

I can't stop looking into the eyes of our little baby boy. He is almost a month old and I find it very hard to walk away from him. However, I was at an art show this past weekend and little Noah James was on my mind, so I decided to do a little sketch of our wee one. I can't wait to introduce him to the trees.

He is truly a gift from above. ~James

THE BEE KEEPER

2010-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

THE STORY:

It was the old man who found the lost bee that had wandered far off and had not been seen for many a day.
Barely alive and clinging to a purple flower, the bee sensed his keeper was near and with all it's strength he buzzed his frail wings as a cry for salvation. At that very moment, the old bee man suddenly appeared and said, "Hello, my little friend. I have been searching for you for quite some time. I have now found you and will now keep you close to my heart. For I love all of my servants and I will never loose any of you". ~JB

MY THOUGHTS:

This painting and its meaning kind of grew while I was creating it. To be lost and suddenly found is a very beautiful thing. It's inspired by how God loves us and how He keeps us close to Him and also how He searches us out when we are lost.

THE MEANS:

I painted this using watercolor and gesso on Arches 140 lb cold press paper. It measures 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.

ILYS

2009-12-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is a Christmas card I just completed for my mother inspired by a story she had written a few years back. It is a beautiful story about Christmas and what it really means. Not loosing hope. I did another painting of this story two years ago called, "THE BELLS WILL SOUND" Anyway, I hope you like it and the story. I posted a little portion of mother's story below.

This original was done with sepia watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper. It measures 5 x 7 inches.

"After what seemed like forever, she looked for a place to rest. There was a clearing below; however, not having ever ventured this far from Gogalea, she was afraid to be in the open, so she searched further and soon found a grove of cranberry trees – a perfect sanctuary and sure to be a source of nourishment for her journey. Hungry, tired and feeling very much alone, Ilys went from branch to branch among the cranberry trees, looking for just the right berry ripe enough to eat. Frost covered cranberries were the tastiest and being very good at berry-picking, she soon found the best one, then flew to a nearby moss covered rock to enjoy her breakfast. She thought filling her stomach would take away the deep sadness she felt, however, it only made her feel worse." ~S.B.

Nadine at 7 months.

2009-11-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

I had another wonderful day today in the studio. I will certainly be posting more art in the next few days but in the meantime here is a picture that I took yesterday of my lovely Nadine at 7 months. I am looking so forward to the arrival of Baby Brownie but I just love soaking in all the beauty that I see in my wife being with child. She has such a glow about her and I still get goosebumps when I'm with her.

I hope you are all doing well.

~James

SNOWFLAKE

2009-11-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

The Winter season is just about to arrive. A season of rest and deep thought. One thing that I have always loved about Winter is the snowfall. It is truly enchanting and full of magic. Have you ever listened to the snow as it falls? There is nothing like it and I dedicate this painting to the wonder of Winter. It is called, "Snowflake". I don't have a story for it just yet, but feel free to share your thoughts if you'd like.

This painting was created using watercolors and gesso on Arches 140lb hot press paper. It measures 8x11 inches.

One other note, I would like to thank the beautiful, Jessica, for modeling as the Snowflake Fairy. You can find her here.

May your day be a blessing and may you be a blessing to your day.

~James

THE LETTER

2009-11-09T18:05:00.001-08:00

THE STORY:
"There was a special strength in the woman's heart as she reflected upon her late husband. Love boundless beyond this world she thought as she penned a love letter from the heart."...~JB

MY THOUGHTS:
I've had this image in mind for some time now and I finally saw it clearly enough to illustrate it. It's about losing your soul mate and the heart aching moments and memories that come with it. The longing to be one again. I believe that true love never dies it just changes as do the seasons and sometimes it ends physically but it's memories live on in our hearts. This painting is not meant to be hopeless, but rather the opposite, hopeful. There is a reason for love and it is why we were made.

THE MEANS:
This painting first started as a sketch on very light canson pastel paper using conte' blocks and sepia colored pencil but I really didn't like the texture so I decided to continue reworking it adding, watercolor, sepia ink and gesso. I was able to save it and it became a two day journey creating it. So I would call it a mixed media sepia painting on a very thin piece of paper. It measures 9x12 inches.

BABY FAE

2009-11-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

Today, I was able to spend some quality time in the studio and I am so glad to be back in my peaceful place. I created another little painting this afternoon and I have a feeling I'll be painting a lot of this subject when our little baby brownie arrives. This painting measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 as was painted using watercolors.

Naddy-Pa-Taddy

2009-10-29T14:02:00.001-07:00

This is a little painting that I did this afternoon that measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. I painted it for my lovely wife, Nadine, who is with child. I couldn't be more excited about the real baby brownie that is on it's way.

Nadine, hasn't seen it yet but I will surprise her when she gets home from work.This is a little painting that I did this afternoon that measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. I painted it for my lovely wife, Nadine, who is with child. I couldn't be more excited about the real baby brownie that is on it's way.

Nadine, hasn't seen it yet but I will surprise her when she gets home from work.

Be well,

James

Pumpkinheads

2009-10-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today, I spent the day in the studio painting pumpkinheads. It has been a while since I've been able to get some time to paint because of house renovations and it was really nice to be creating again. I had a fun time painting these two pumpkin people. I used a sepia colored pencil along with watercolor on both of these paintings that measure 4x6 inches.

Well, that is all for now. I hope you are doing well and that you enjoy the day your in.

With inspiration, James

Inspired.....

2009-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been quite some time since I last posted here. I've been missing being in the studio because I've been so busy working on house renovations and doing art shows. My show season is now finished and the house is coming together and yes, I was able to get into the studio today. I did a sketch inspired by "A Midsummer's Night Dream". It focuses on Titania and Puck. Hope you like it!

A study of the lovely Julia

2009-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while since I last posted here. I've been very busy on a new book about a little butterfly, a few new commissions and the show season has gotten well on it's way. In the meantime, I am still trying to put some time aside to create some of my own ideas for paintings and here is one that I would like to share.

This is a pencil study of the lovely Julia. She is a beautiful friend and you can see her work here. She is a great photographer, too.

The original measures 9x12 inches. I will be painting Julia sometime in the near future.

Well, that is all for now. This weekend I will be up in New York doing a show.

God Bless,

James

The Selkie

2009-03-23T16:42:00.001-07:00

There is a tale about a lovely seal that shed her skin as she came upon the shore. She transformed into a beautiful woman and became a delight to the eyes of fishermen in those parts. One day a man took her seal skin as she was bathing in the shallow waters and she soon became the wife of the lonely fisherman. She spent her days as a good and loyal companion to the man until one day she found her skin and she returned to the sea as seal once again.

For this was her destiny, to fill the heart of a lonely man with love and service until she was called back to the sea.

This original was created using watercolors on Arches 140lb cold press paper. It measures 5 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches.

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell

2009-03-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

I had another wonderful day in the studio again. I'm working on some new larger works, but in the mean time I did another drawing. I really like the way this one turned out. It is called "Peter Pan & Tinkerbell".

Peter discovers his friend of destiny. The journey that they would share would be truly magical.

This original was made with graphite on mat board and measures 5x7 inches. The original is available HERE.

That's all for now. It was a Spring like day today. It sure feels good to feel the warmth of the sun.

~James

Aiken the faun.

2009-03-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

This is a drawing that I did today of a faun. His name is Aiken and he continues to play his pipes. He has seen a lot in his time but he finds joy in the music....can you hear him playing?

This original was created using graphite on mat board and measures 5x7 inches. It is available HERE for purchase in case you are interested.

God Bless,

James

NEW Baby Brownie available on Ebay!

2009-03-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I just put a new "Baby Brownie" ACEO up for auction on Ebay. It is a cute little painting and I hope you like it. If you are interested in this little original you can find it HERE. The opening bid is $24.95. Have a wonderful weekend!

The Gift

2009-03-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

It was not the gift of the gold coin that touched the leprechaun's heart but the symbol that was engraved upon it. The fairy spoke of its meaning and all of his days of luck and gold no longer had any meaning to him, it was the fairy's gift that filled this leprechaun's heart with joy.

This original was painting using watercolor on Arches hot press paper. It measures 4x6 inches. Prints of it are available here.

I had another good day in the studio and I'm looking forward to getting started on a new painting tomorrow. That's all for now. Have a great day!

A nice weekend and more originals!

2009-03-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

I had a show this past weekend and it was great to be out there showing my work again. I wanted to thank all those who came out and for all your kind words about my paintings. It is inspiring and I am truly blessed to be doing what I'm doing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the art shows this year.

Today, I created some more small originals, aka "Baby Brownies". The one pictured below is one of my favorite, it is titled, "Protector". The other "Baby Brownie" originals are available here.

The weather was beautiful once again today and I can feel the Spring just around the corner....I can't wait!

Talk to you soon, James

Baby Brownies are back!

2009-03-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I created a little painting in the early hours. I call these little paintings, "Baby Brownies" and they are so much to do. Knowing that I only had a little time in the studio today I decided to start doing them again. They are also known as ACEOs. There is more information about these paintings on here. This little Bunny original is available for $35. I hope you like it.

That is all for today. Have a special and inspiring day.

James

Winter Refuge

2009-03-03T16:39:00.001-08:00

Seeking refuge were the four fae. Their home destroyed by the season's last storm. To the loving owl they flew where they found shelter in his warm feathers.

This original watercolor measures 8x10 inches. I had started this painting before Christmas and I spent the last two days finishing it up. I really like the way that it turned out. Since the snow is still here, I can't help but continue to paint snowy scenes. God Bless.

Irene

2009-03-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

Irene was lost, not a friend in sight. The night was setting in and the little humble faery perched upon an iris. She prayed for help and called out, "Show me the way I am meant to go!".A faint voice rustled in the wind or no, was it a voice inside her heart. The voice said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light". At that moment she feared no more and she knew just who it was who spoke to her.

Irene was no longer alone and she was led by the Light that was in her heart.

This was my painting for today, I hope you like it. It measures 6x6 inches and was painted using indigo blue, gesso and graphite.

LORIC'S CALLING

2009-02-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Today's painting is called "Loric's Calling". Loric is a character from another one of paintings, "Winterstock". He is a caring gnome who spends his days storing up food for the little forest folk that pass by his tree. He is also know to give them shelter on some of the very cold days of Winter. Where there is a need, Loric is there to offer his help. Having compassion for others is a beautiful thing and well....Loric is a great example of this.

This original measures 6x6 inches and is available here . It was painted using watercolors.

I had another wonderful day in the studio today. I am so inspired. That's all for now.

~ James

TINY TASHA

2009-02-25T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone!

I had a most wonderful day painting again in the studio. I can't express enough how nice it is to be back and painting daily. I tried something a little different today. I decided to create a painting using a very limited palette. I used graphite, gesso and indigo blue watercolor. It was so much fun and I am certainly going to try this again. Todays painting is titled, "Tiny Tasha", and she is a brave little soul, I must say. I hope you like it. The original is 5x6 inches and is available here if anyone is interested.

It's funny, I've been getting up at 5am the last three mornings to do a painting a day and Little Daisy Dukes, our new bassett pup, is so confused where she is supposed to go after eating her breakfast so early, either lie in bed with her mommy for one more hour or go to the studio with her daddy....and well, she seems to be rooting me on in the studio. She is such cutie pie. Below is a picture of her.

Well, that is all for today. Have a wonderful day folks! James

NEW LIFE

2009-02-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

I have been longing for Spring for the past few weeks. It is always such a time of renewal. I love when the birds sing their song and the buds start to sprout. The colors slowly spring up everywhere and new life is all around to be seen. Breathe it all in....it is not too far off.

Nadine and I have been working on our house for the last 4 months. We have a beautiful new kitchen and there are three other rooms that we done in the near future. I have enjoyed getting back into my studio the past couple of days and I am so excited about painting.

Here is today's painting. It is called "New Life". The original is available if anyone is interested
here .

Okay, that is all for now. God Bless, James

Back to "A Painting a Day"

2009-02-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while since I last posted a painting and I thought I would start up again by starting a new daily habit and that is to do a painting a day. I've been away from my work for nearly three months now due to being busy with huge construction going on in our home and well, just a little break. This was certainly the longest that I have ever gone without creating something but hey, I've gotten real good with carpentry, building, tearing walls down, house painting, tiling, and the list goes on.

I woke up this morning at 5am and started on my new "painting a day" journey. This is the first of many (I hope) and I hope you like it. It is titled "Union Shepherd" and it measures 5 1/2 x 6 inches and was painted using watercolors.

These "A Painting a Day" paintings will be available on my website.

That's all for now. I will be posting more....

James

LADY DARBY ~ 1996-2008

2008-04-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to share with you someone who was and is still so dear to our hearts. She was a wonderful companion of 12 years.....

she loved to cuddle,
she loved her treats,
she loved going on walks,
she loved to sleep,
she loved to watch her daddy paint,
she loved mommy when she returned home from work,
she loved us in a special way.
I can't help but feel God's love for us when I think of her.

We had to put our beautiful Lady Darby to sleep. We miss her so much. I spent all my days with her. But the Lord is so good. He brought us to the mountain top for five days and He gave us so much Grace. We are so thankful that we had 12 wonderful years with Darby and she was in no pain. I was dreading the day that she would have to go but my Lord gave me a revelation that brought me even closer to Himself, Darby was a means of His Grace and He will never forsake His children. He made her specially for us and He made her to extend His Love for us. We also know that Lady Darby is running around with her sister in the King's garden. Oh....there is Joy in suffering. Jesus is bigger in my heart.

May God shine His lovely face upon you all.

James and Nadine

The Bells Will Sound

2007-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful story written by my mother. It touched me in such a way that I had to create a painting of it. The original was created using gesso and sepia ink and measures 5x7. God Bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS! James

THE BELLS WILL SOUND

Ilys was sure she was the last of her kind. As she gazed longingly back over the hills of Gogalea her heart sank knowing she would never come back. The others left some time ago in little groups or two at a time for safety, always with that same look on their faces. Ilys had stayed in her beloved Gogalea for as long as she could always hoping things would change.

Rising from her little perch on the tallest of the old firs she spread her wings, gave a last look and flew north.

After what seemed forever, she looked for a place to rest. There was a clearing below, however, not having ever ventured this far from Gogalea she was afraid to be in the open so she searched further and soon found a grove of cranberry trees – a perfect sanctuary and sure to be a source of nourishment for her journey. Hungry, tired and feeling very much alone Ilys went from branch to branch among the cranberry trees looking for just the right berry ripe enough to eat. Frost covered cranberries are the tastiest and being very good at berry picking she soon found the best one then flew to a nearby moss covered rock to enjoy her breakfast. She thought filling her stomach would take away the deep sadness she felt, however, it only made her feel worse.

Presently she was rested enough to investigate this new land. When she had first arrived she hadn’t noticed its’ beauty, but now it was clear to see she was in the center of a most lovely park or garden. At least at one time it was beautiful. Ilys, being a very curious fey, soon found herself wandering farther than she intended. As she was about to turn to go back to the cranberry trees she heard a sound she was all too familiar with. It was crying, but not like any crying she had ever heard. It was actually more like a weeping. Being sad and lonely as she was, she did not want to be near any weeping, however, she was drawn to the sound and as she approached her little heart went out to the distraught creature, whatever it was.

There behind a large oak sitting on a huge boulder, Ilys saw the largest and most wondrous fairy she had ever encountered. Never in all her life had she seen anything like it. Its’ wings were not at all fairylike, but more like those of a great falcon. Indeed they would need to be quite large as this fairy was as tall as a human. Ilys’ own wings were the size of a butterfly and iridescent like a dragonfly.

Ilys heart skipped a beat as she approached. She did not want to disturb the weeping fairy.

Suddenly there was a rustling of the huge wings as the creature was aware of an intruder and turned to look. Of course the intruder was Ilys and she stood frozen in her little yellow slippers as the wings reached full length in front of her. She couldn’t move! She wouldn’t move even if she dared. And indeed, this was a creature as no fairy ever had a more noble or fierce face and all at the same time.

As frightened as Ilys was at this moment her overwhelming sadness and loneliness caused her to speak out but in the most respectful way. “Who are you and why are you weeping?” cried Ilys in her tiny voice. The creature knew instantly that Ilys was fearful and tried to calm her by slowly lowering its magnificent wings. “Do not be afraid little one – I was unaware you were here in the garden and I had been feeling very badly. What brings you to this place?”

Ilys lost all of her fear at that very moment and began to pour out her heart to the beautiful creature.

“I am Ilys and I have left my beloved kingdom because there is no one left of my kind. It was difficult to stay being the only fairy in the land. The others had left over a long period of time since the humans in the land did not have imagination any more. They gave up all thinking about those things one cannot always see. At first just a few people didn’t believe in fairies or elves. As time went on and as more and more folks made things for themselves they started to believe in the things they made. These things became very important to them and soon the whole kingdom was impressed with themselves and the things they made instead of things that were already in the land. Time went by and all of the fairies gave up even trying to get folks to believe in anything but themselves. Fairies do not do very well where there is no imagination to tickle. So eventually all fairies left the land and I am the last. I am not sure where or when I shall see my kin again, or when I will be able to tickle someone’s imagination. I left Gogalea this morning after daybreak and just now I was resting and then I heard you weeping. Oh, I am so sorry to be talking about myself. You were weeping - and your wings! I have never seen a fairy such as you.”

Actually Ilys was very amazed that the creature seemed so interested in all she had said. After shifting its wings a bit the creature explained:

“Greetings Ilys and welcome to the garden. I am not a fairy at all, although some get me confused with the world of imagination. I am so sorry you had to leave your homeland and I understand your sadness because in my world much the same thing has happened. Unlike you, I am unable to leave this land because I am responsible to guard the gates of the garden. What I have seen from the gate is the cause of my weeping. The king of this land gave the people the whole garden to enjoy if they would just work to take care of it. At first they enjoyed the garden and the work and all its wonderful bounty but before long weeds started growing and the people argued who would weed the garden. Folks were too busy saying how the garden should look all the while not noticing more and more weeds were chocking even the great white oaks that grow around the garden edge. In the center of the garden stands a bell tower that would chime the most beautiful sounds each day, morning, noon and evening. As the day would progress the chimes would be an encouragement to the people in their work. But the people began to complain louder and louder trying to be heard over the sweet music of the bells, until someone finally put a stop to the music altogether by cutting the cords that rang the bells. The bells were also there to be a welcome call to those outside the gates. Without the bells no new folks came to be welcomed and soon after folks died off and now there are only a few weak people left who are not tending the garden very well as you can see. Even the fruit trees blossom early and produce no edible fruit. I weep because my king is sad. I weep because all that could be good is going to waste and I am the guarding angel and there is no joy in my work.”

Ilys was spellbound as she sat listening to the angel and finally inquired, “what if there was a way to get the bells repaired? If they could ring again throughout the land perhaps your job at the gates would make you glad once more. New people would come to the sound of the music of the bells and they would want to stay and grow the garden once again. Do you remember the tunes the bells played? Perhaps between us we could find a way to get the bells working. All it takes is hard work and a little imagination.”

The noble and fierce face of the guarding angel suddenly changed to a silly grin and he decided at that moment to put forth his best effort to fix the bells. Although it was winter there would surely be folks who would hear and answer the call of the bells. The weak people already living in the garden could become strong again with all the work that needed to be done to get ready for new workers. The king would be delighted, the garden would grow and the work would be good work for all.

Ilys and the angel set about weaving a strong rope from the vines that grew up chocking the trunks of the great white oaks, leaving them to grow in strength. The ropes would be attached to the bells in the tower and the guarding angel who knew the music by heart, would ring them one cold winter night very soon just in time for the King’s birthday.

Ilys never flew any further north.

Copyright 2007, SUSAN BROWNE

BABY BROWNIES

2007-12-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun creating these little guys. Each one of these little paintings is an original created with sepia ink and gesso on mat board. Just how little are these little Baby Brownies, aka BBs, they are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches and they sell for $25 each. I've turned into quite a baker with these brownies and there are more in the oven. I will try to keep you posted as much as I can. Here are a few samples of some.

Here is a link to the gallery were I post these daily, BABY BROWNIES . Well, that's all for now. God Bless you all. James

I am so inspired!!!

2007-11-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

There is so much joy inside me right now. I've recently started creating little "one of a kind" paintings using sepia and gesso (my two secret ingredients for all my work....shhhh, don't tell anyone). I have to share them with you because I am having an absolute blast! There is one below that I just did this morning, also, there is a link where you can see the others, and there will certainly be more. They all have to do with friendship, what would we do without loving friends. God has a special way to make a heart smile....He certainly has made my heart smile. God Bless, James

Some others can be seen and purchased here... http://www.jamesbrowne.net/catalog.php?category=26

We've been blessed.

2007-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

A night of dreams and wonder makes hearts, the unseen things ponder.

Ethereal voices to open hearts speak, young souls listen as they seek.

Into one such night let us take a peek.

Twas a midsummer night as a brown-haired lad and a lass with golden tresses, walked the woods near each of their homes. The air was clear, charged with magic, and the sky was full of heavenly lights. It was hard to tell where the earth stopped and the heavens started. But for the trees, which rooted the imagination to the ground, all would be blended into a mass of shadows and twinkling lights. A night of mystery, tinted with premonition.

His home on one side of the sea, hers the other. Each one walking beneath their country sky. Two places, one sky. Two hearts, one wonder to behold eight short hours apart.

Slowly all the lights grew dim as the sky above the lass filled with the brilliance of a rising full Moon. As the glowing orb rose above the earth, a face within the light appeared. A pair of charcoal eyes opened with a blink and a cheery voice said, "hello".

Leaning on a sturdy branch, up in her favorite tree, the young girl warily looked up into a smiling face and replied with a hesitant, "hi".

And then the Man in the Moon began to speak. " O lassie young and fair, to you I have a message to share. Someday to a far off land you'll go. Young children are to be placed into your care, but that's not all that will happen while you are there. In this land you will meet a young man whose life you will share. On one distant night your hearts will become one as into his eyes you stare." With that the eyes did close and with a knowing smile the Man in the Moon did set. But the message she heard she would never forget.

Slowly all the lights grew dim as the sky above the lad filled with the brilliance of a rising full Moon. As the glowing orb rose above the earth, a face within the light appeared. A pair of charcoal eyes opened with a blink and a cheery voice said, "hello".

Sitting on a sturdy branch, part way up his favorite tree, the young boy curiously looked up into a smiling face and shot back a rather shaky, "hi".

And then the Man in the Moon began to speak. "My young friend, to you I have a message to share. Some day a young lass will travel to this land. Her love and yours will be bound with a marriage band. She will light up your life as the sun does me and that glow will illumine the hearts of others as from you both it does flow.

With that the eyes did close and with a knowing smile the Man in the Moon did set. But the message he heard he would never forget.

A night of dreams and wonder makes hearts, the unseen things ponder.

Ethereal voices to open hearts speak, young souls listen as they seek.

Into another such night let us take a peek.

On the horizon the Moon started to rise as a young man with brown hair and a young woman with golden tresses, went for a walk. The air was clear, charged with magic, and the sky was full of heavenly lights. It was hard to tell where the earth stopped and the heavens started. A night of mystery, tinted with recognition. As each approached, they paid each other no heed, two strangers in a stranger place. Not far apart, each turned, side by side, to face the rising Moon. Each was lost in thoughts and dreams of days gone by. Slowly all the other lights grew dim as the sky filled with the brilliance of a full Moon. As the glowing orb rose above the earth, a face within the light appeared. A pair of charcoal eyes opened with a blink and a cheery, familiar voice said, "hello".

With resting arms on a fieldstone wall, two sets of eyes, remembering a similar night, looked up and a simultaneous reply was heard, "hi". Startled at the sound of the other's voice, two pairs of eyes turned and met and locked.

And then the Man in the Moon began to speak. "You both remember the night you talked with the Man in the Moon, this night as you look into each other's eyes, your memories and lives are becoming one".

With that the eyes did close and with a knowing smile the Man in the Moon did set. But a journey together just began for two not so unfamiliar strangers, who just met.

This wonderful story was written by a dear friend of ours, Don Hartle, and truly captures the love that Nadine and I share. It is a union made in heaven and we thank God most of all for the love that we share. Our love for one another continues grow as we grow old together.

God Bless, James

HIGH TEA

2007-09-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you are all doing well. It's been some time since I last wrote to you but I have been my enjoying time in the studio. I've been working on a book for some time now and some various commissions and every once in a while I've been able to squeeze out a painting or two. What a blessing it is to paint and what a pleasure it is to share these paintings with all of you. I have to thank God for this wonderful blessing. I only hope to continue to use the gift that He gave me and to use it for His purpose. I truly feel joy inside when these little images come to life and I hope that they bring a smile to your heart when you look upon them. God Bless, James

An afternoon stroll upon his towering walls,
this sophisticated chap well known for his falls,
will do nothing of the sort on this special day,
for it's High Tea with a his friend before he flies away.....

Well, I'm back to my Painting A Day paintings or at least I'll keep trying. This painting was created using watercolors on Arches hot press paper. It measures 5x7.

Song of Everland

2007-08-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, it's been a while since I last wrote and it is nice to be back. I've been on the road doing shows these last few weeks and we just returned from our annual trip to Nadine's homeland, Germany. We had a wonderful time and as always my brush was flowing with the songs that are in my heart. Below is one of the paintings that I created while in Germany. I ,also, have to mention that I am deep in the magical book, "Phantastes", by George MacDonald and it has truly made my imagination soar. A must read!

"It was the song that I awoke to first when I discovered Everland. Everland is a place where dreams come true and where the imagination becomes real. It's where the child inside speaks. Everland, for me, is inspired by the heart and it is in my mind where it becomes so real....so real that I see it. I thank God most of all for giving me the gift to paint what I see and most of all for His inspiration which is in my heart." ~JB

This original was painting using watercolor on Arches 140lb hot press paper. The original measures 6 1/2 x 9 3/4.

RIDING RUBY and a wonderful weekend.

2007-06-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I returned back to my studio after spending a wonderful weekend with our dear friend, Don. He is like a brother to me and he has really been helping me grow in the Lord. The Christian walk is truly a pilgrimage and I am forever greatful that I have a brother who has helped me when I've stumbled. Don is also the creater of the "Tales Now Told" stories, which can be found here

On another note, I have another painting to share with you and I really enjoyed painting this one. It is called, "Riding Ruby". Enjoy and God Bless! James

Hinkle was a wee little lad, who was so small it took him days to cross the flowered meadow. One day, while resting upon a leaf, a beautiful hummingbird hovered nearby. Little Hinkle noticed something very strange about this hummingbird. Around its neck was a golden collar with two bells hanging from it. Hinkle yelled out, "What is your name beautiful one with the bells?" When the hummingbird heard this, it drew nearer to him and said, "My name is Ruby and my bells make noise so the other creatures can hear me. I am so fast and so small, that no one ever notices me". Hinkle replied, "Well, I noticed you and you are the prettiest creature that I have ever seen." Ruby suddenly became still in mid-air and said, "May I help you get across this meadow today, my kind friend? I've noticed that it takes you quite some time to make this trek and I have been given a gift of speedy flight. You are a kind heart and your gift is seeing the beauty from within." Hinkle climbed onto to little Ruby's back and together they soared through the meadow. As they were flying over a glorious patch of pink flowers, Hinkle noticed a glowing light that was traveling beside them. He suddenly realized that all true gifts are from above and that the Giver is the most precious gift of ALL.

This original was created using watercolor on Arches hot press paper. It measures 5x7 and is a
vailable here

TRIFFLES FOR TRUFFLES

2007-06-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Once there was a little troll named Truffles. He lived on the side of a rocky mountain, a land where not many would roam. It was a peaceful place, especially by the crystal clear waterfall. Truffles would often find rest in this place, for he needed rest from his long days of netting his most beloved meal....the blue dragonfly. "They are delicious and they are a plenty!" , he would often say, but little did he know that because of his "eating a plenty", there were only three blue dragonflies remaining on this mountain side, merely a triffle.

This original was created using watercolor on Arches hot press paper. It measures 5x7 and is available here

DIGGER'S SPECIAL DAY

2007-06-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

It was a special day for Digger, it was his birthday. Although, he was a sweet little mole with a great heart and an even greater giggle, there was no one to spend time with him on his special day. The problem was that he lived underground and not one of his friends liked it in the tunnels that he dug. He was sad and just before he shed a tear a little light filled his heart with joy. This special light was was truly a gift for the little mole and starred and starred into it for the rest of the day.

This original was created using watercolor on Arches hot press paper. It measures 5x7 and is available here

I missed a couple of days of a "Painting a Day", I was busy with my other work, but I hope you like this little guy. I'll have more tomorrow...God Bless, James

A HELPING HAND

2007-06-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Another day of painting today, a few thunderstorms, but all in all a peaceful day. I love to paint when it rains. The raindrops pitty pattering on the studio roof is music to my ear and an inspiration to the child within me. I think of things when I paint, but when the rain falls it puts me into even deeper thought. I'm thankful for the memories in my life and I'm thankful that God gave ua a memory to remember them. Today, I was thinking of Lady Darby, our wonderful Bassett Hound, as she is getting older, the thought has crossed our mind wether she will need a little red wagon. Here is my painting for today, it is called "A Helping Hand" and it is available here

Gilbert, the Gnome, is often seen lending a helping hand to the forest folk. Prickles, the little hedgehog, is no exception. Little Prickles had stubbed his toe weeks ago, but not realizing that his toe was all healed up, Gilbert pulled him along anyway in his little red wagon. Little Prickles didn't seem to mind at all.

TINY TUCKER

2007-06-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful art's festival in Buffalo where I met some great people. Nadine and I left on last friday and made a 6 1/2 hr trip in the heat and pouring rain (heavy downpours!), we arrived to the hotel and awoke to two beautiful cooler days with not a cloud in the sky.....and thousands of people came flooded the street for the show. I was hoping to get some painting done while doing the show but we were so busy. I've been doing shows for about 15 yrs now and I have to say that I never get tired of seeing the reaction of people who walk into the booth, sure I may get "hey look!, it's James Brown!, Hughhh!...I feeeeellll goood!, nananana!" but the smiles and the comments about the art itself is truly inspiring. I am very thankful for my gift and I know that I must use it the way God meant for me to use it. Yes, a smile on the face of one who views it....that's priceless.

Anyway, I did however, find time today to create a new painting and here it is, "TINY TUCKER" has come out tonight. The original is 5x7 and is available here

Good night for now my friends, James

Inspired by Grace.

2007-06-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

"It was beyond the moon in which she seeked her heart's desire, it was He who filled her heart with His Love."

I was inspired by God's Love today and I was in a special place when I was painting this image. I thought about how much God's Love has changed my heart. It was from the heart that I painted it. Many blessings to you all this day. ~James

"Beyond the Moon", (today's painting a day). The original is availabe here

Painting a Day #2

2007-06-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! I woke up early and a new painting was in my head. I right away went to studio and didn't leave until I walked out with this.....

I painted this one in just under 4 hours and it is my 2nd "Painting a Day" piece. Mr. Browbark needed some grooming and this little elf was nearby to help out. The original watercolor is available here

*Some of you may have had trouble subscibing to this blog, there was an error and now it is fixed. So feel free to join! Thank you for all the wonderful comments. Take care, James

A Painting A Day!

2007-06-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have now started the "Painting A Day" challange. This should be a perfect place each painting I do each day. I finished the first one, so that's a start....right? It took me 2 hours to do and it is called "You've Come Back to Me". This poor old tree has been alone for some time and now his dear friend, the swallow, has returned to him. It's a beautiful thing to have friendships that last through time, that pick up where they last left off. Yes, friendship is everything. I hope you enjoy this little watercolor about friendship. It measures 5x7 and it is available if anyone is interested here

That's all for now. God Bless, James

One of my favorite paintings.

2007-06-04T21:16:00.001-07:00

Before I go off to bed I thought I would share with you one of my favorite paintings that I created in Germany last summer. It is a place I would love to be as the heat of summer approaches. My dear friend, Don wrote a beautiful story about this painting here. It is called "Afternoon Tea". Good night!

My first post.

2007-06-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! I'm new here and I thought that this would be a nice place to share a little about myself. I am an artist and I enjoy every chance I get to create paintings. This will be a place that I will share with you what I am working on. See you soon!